IRS ve. Live axle trikes

[ben721364]

I would have thought that by now someone would have started a discussion about the relative merits of IRS vs. live axles.

 

[Papa Zook]

I think that they are both great. I don't see any huge advantage of independent over solid axle and Ive ridden both a pretty good bit. The solid axle machines are less maintenance and tend to cost less and the independents have a nice ride.

 

[ben721364]

I think that they are both great. I don't see any huge advantage of independent over live axle and Ive ridden both a pretty good bit. The live axle machines are less maintenance and tend to cost less and the independents have a nice ride.

I think you summed it up very well, Bazooka.

 

[sunshineman]

Question

I am considering triking my 03 1800 and thought there were IRS and straight axle. So is the live suspension the straight axle? I am new at this, if you can't tell.................Thanks, Mike

 

[Trikerjim]

Hi sunshineman and welcome! Yes a "live" axle is the same as straight. You'll find pros and cons about straight vs IRS. Each mfg. has their own little differences regardless which system they use. Like Bazooka said, IRS will usually ride better and live systems seem to have fewer problems or breakage.I have most of my own knowledge of the two from a lot of time on 4 wheelers (ATVs). The live systems are almost indestructable while the IRS rides and handles difficult terrain better. "BUT" not all IRS ride the same, and some live systems ride as well if not better...Gettin better huh?
Best thing is to try and test ride the one(s) your interested in. YOU have to make that decision and it's you money. good luck and again welcome aboard.

 

[Papa Zook]

Jim I agree with you totally. What I meant to say was the two rear end setups are best known for each of those two attributes, but I cannot say that the independent rides markedly better than the solid or "live" axle setup and I have ridden lots of both.

Hop on a Motor Trike or Champion Trike that is setup right and take it for a nice long ride. I dare you to say either has a harsh ride or anything less than plush. The solid rears also tend to have a little less lean (the wrong way) in the twisties. Due to lower cost, less maintenance, etc, I prefer the solid setups but thats just one guy`s opinion. The independent guys will argue that theirs is better. I salute all the manufacturers for producing some great trikes.

 

[Tri-3]

Irs

I recently purchased a Trike Shop IRS conversion with limited riding experience. I thought the IRS would handle bumps better and we have plenty here in NH. Some IRS look very complicated while other are much simplier. I chose the Trike Shop because it looked robust yet simple and used many off the shelf parts. But with my limited test rides I really couldn't feel the difference.

 

[Ron H]

Test Drives

I just took delivery of my first trike. I bought a DFT conversion with IRS. I looked at Trike Shop, Champion, and DFT, but didn't test ride any. It was quite a difference from a two-wheeler on my first ride on the trike, and I don't believe that even had I taken a test drive before deciding, I would have been able to make an educated judgment on how one trike rode and handled vs another. I've only got 200 trike miles under my belt now, and I probably won't feel comfortable until I get around 1000. (I'm a slow learner.)

 

[katfish16]

Ron, it took me about 500 miles to start feeling good and understanding what I was doing. Get out and ride it will come to u and u will learn all the little tricks.

Ride safe

 

[Ron H]

Trike break-in period

Although I've considered a rake modification and engine upgrade, I'm waiting till I have 500-1000 miles before I decide what (if anything) I need to have done. I'm still riding pretty gingerly, especially on anything other than a smooth, level road surface.

 

[John Luciano]

I have a DFT been riding it for 5 years. Took me 300 miles or more to be comfortable.My wife says the rear seat on the ID is smoother ridding than solid axle. I have ridden a MT and a champion for extended periods . Doth great rides.Like comparing a Lexus with a BMW . What do you like stiff or plush. What ever floats your boat. $$$$$ are also a cosidreation. If it means your not gona get a trike because you want ID and it is 3,000 more than you want to spend. GET the solid and forget a bout it.GET on the road and ride ..

 

[TrinityTrike]

Definitions?

Just read this thread for the first time and I offer the following definitions:

Full Differential: The gearing mechanism on the axle which allows the drive wheels to turn at different speeds when cornering.

IRS (Independent Rear Suspension): Uses a full differential with universal jointed axles tied to wheels which move up/down independently of each other.

Straight Axle: Uses a full differential on an axle which has the wheels move up and down together and sprung via the swingarm.

Live Axle: Common to inexpensive ATV's, the rear axle is one solid bar thus preventing the wheels from cornering at different rates and increasing handling difficulties (especially at low speeds).

 

[cjmitch]

I would have thought that by now someone would have started a discussion about the relative merits of IRS vs. live axles.

What is "live" axle?

If you mean a "straight/rigid" axle...

The fact I don't get the feeling the bike is trying to throw me is why I went with straight/Rigid.

Personal perception though

 

[Glennhog]

I just took delivery of my first trike. I bought a DFT conversion with IRS. I looked at Trike Shop, Champion, and DFT, but didn't test ride any. It was quite a difference from a two-wheeler on my first ride on the trike, and I don't believe that even had I taken a test drive before deciding, I would have been able to make an educated judgment on how one trike rode and handled vs another. I've only got 200 trike miles under my belt now, and I probably won't feel comfortable until I get around 1000. (I'm a slow learner.)

Hi Ron! I've been trying to determine what is a good rear axle to use with a Harley conversion. What have you got in yours? I take it, it's a shaft conversion, or do you have a belt?

 

[john]

ins or solid axle

i was at one time considering a champion trike but some people i know [wives] bought pillows to put on the seat because they thought the champion trikes rode rough. i will be going to a motortrike dealers open house to ride a motortrike on june 7th. i have had good reports on this trike installer work who has been installing motortrikes since 1993. the dealer is only 2 or so hrs away from me. like they say good installer good trike bad installer bad trike. i have also talked to people who have had motortrikes put on there goldwings by this deaier and are happy with there trikes.

 

[Ron H]

Glennhog,

My conversion kit was made by DFT. The kit includes the entire rear end -- differential, axle, wheel hubs. It uses the HD belt and, I think, the HD rotors.

 

[bikerdan]

I have a Champion Trike with my Goldwing 1800, for so reason it is riding very rough. My wife complains, and is haveing bladder problems due to rough roads. Had considered the irs, but it soons like I may be wasting money. Open for ideas.

 

[1550vt]

I hate to throw cold water in your face, but if you find a kit that rides as soft as your wife may like....you will never be able to do anything with it but ride the interstates, or poke around any curve. I know...I have had a wife for 43-years and she is not exactly satisfied with my straight axle ride either. But, she loves to travel and has an extra seat-cushion. She also enjoys the stability of the straight-axle in the curves too. I keep it tight so it will handle and it's up to her to decide if she wants to ride or not. She has decided she feels better not swaying in the curves and will take care of her butt the best way she can. You can set one up to ride like a limo or a go-kart, but you can't drive one like you do the other.

 

[Nana]

I have a Champion Trike with my Goldwing 1800, for so reason it is riding very rough. My wife complains, and is haveing bladder problems due to rough roads. Had considered the irs, but it soons like I may be wasting money. Open for ideas.

Dan, what tire pressure do you have in the rear wheels? If you have them at "car tire" pressure, the ride is extremely rough! Try letting the air out to about 20 psi, then adjust up or down a pound or two at a time to find your optimum. Most seem to be most comfortable somewhere between 18 and 25 psi. I ride solo and keep mine at about 17 or 18, otherwise it is too rough.

 

[1550vt]

Lucky lady there Nana. If I tried 17 in mine....I would roll-over leaving the driveway. 24-25 works for me.

 

[Nana]

Lucky lady there Nana. If I tried 17 in mine....I would roll-over leaving the driveway. 24-25 works for me.

LOL!! If you ever are going to try it, VT, let me know.... I want to come watch!

 

[trikes4ever]

In the VW world, what you're calling a 'live' axle is referred to a swing axle. I have used both IRS and swing axle in builds, and I like the simplicity of the swing axle. I didn't think the ride was any better with either one. Nova Trikes and Cyclestyle both used swing axle in their designs. You see the IRS more on 'old school' trikes with the fiberglass bodies, but they were built with swing axles too. IRS takes a lot more room, so you have a tougher time finding space for the gas tank and battery.

 

[Gorilla]

I have a Champion Trike with my Goldwing 1800, for so reason it is riding very rough. My wife complains, and is haveing bladder problems due to rough roads. Had considered the irs, but it soons like I may be wasting money. Open for ideas.

welcome aboard. Try working with your tire pressure to see if that will help. You can go down into the high teens on the pressure if it helps the ride for her.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Here's an interesting twist on the IRS vs Straight axle discussions:
Of more significance to me was the fact the conversions that lengthened the wheel base provided a "nicer" ride, especially for the passenger!

 

[bikerdan]

Thank for the suggestion on tire pressure. I know I have the tire pressure at max. So I'll drop it down some. Just had a new front tire replaced and forks overhauled.. I am going to get my wife to use the air hawk as extra cusion.

You can't always pice and choose smooth roads...


Getting ready (Oct 11-15) to ride to Cherokee NC and ride the mountains, want her to be happy.

Thanks

 

[skuuter]

Since bein' "fairly experienced" now in Trike Ridin', I have ridden several Solid Differential Rearends (...even includin' My Wife's), and I still prefer my IRS for handlin', and definetly for Ride Quality. Not suggestin' this for Everyone, but I prefer it. The IRS does need to be dialed in to suit the Rider though, or the Ride can be very dismal.....:wtg:

 

[Gorilla]

Thank for the suggestion on tire pressure. I know I have the tire pressure at max. So I'll drop it down some. Just had a new front tire replaced and forks overhauled.. I am going to get my wife to use the air hawk as extra cusion.

You can't always pice and choose smooth roads...


Getting ready (Oct 11-15) to ride to Cherokee NC and ride the mountains, want her to be happy.

Thanks

A suggestion again on the tire pressure. If you were at max then you have identified the issue. Trikes do not weigh near as much as even a small car. For your setup most rides here are suggesting 40 in the front and 18 to 22 in the rear. Start with that (Start at the low figure) and see how your partner likes it.

 

[John Luciano]

Looks like the trike MFG are all switching to IRS. Like the Subaru thing . They made an all wheel drive car for 40 years . The first 30 they were laughed at it and now every MFG makes a 4 wheel drive CAR (DITTO on the station wagon )

 

[skuuter]

Looks like the trike MFG are all switching to IRS. Like the Subaru thing . They made an all wheel drive car for 40 years . The first 30 they were laughed at it and now every MFG makes a 4 wheel drive CAR (DITTO on the station wagon )

Gettin' harder to get suitable solid rearends now. Most cars with RWD have gone to IRS also.....:wtg:

 

[wildbill1939]

Hi everyone,i am new on this site,i have a 2005 Ulta that i had triked at DFT,before making this big leap(been riding two wheels for 50 yrs.)i rented a Tri Glide,it was nice,i then road a 2002 Ultra Leman,it road like a buckboard,my wife noticed it more than myself,we then went to DFT in Addison Ill. and road two Ultras,one w/a 5 deg.rake and one without,what a plessure,smooth over the tracks and expansion joints,(i prefer the 5 Deg.rake(easy on the shoulders)to sum it up i had them do the conversion,note:most of the conversions know offer an IRS.